Well, you can find fantastic coins here, actually. Simply scroll past the painstakingly written but completely uninformative articles below and have a go at them.

Idea: Sell Your Stuff At Auction and Receive 10,000 Times What You Were Told Was Worth

Late last month in Switzerland, a Chinese vase that was estimated to be worth between $500 and $800 actually sold at auction for $5.1 million. Must be the brilliant work by that auction house to bring out such aggressive bidding, right?

Um, not really.

That incident reminded me of a similar situation here in Connecticut a few years back. A local antiques auction house had a $2.50 Liberty gold coin that they estimated at around $500. It actually sold for over $60,000 (I remember, because I was an underbidder).

The ridiculous part of the Connecticut auction house story was that for years afterward the auction house used that as an example in their advertising of the “strong prices” they generate at their sales.

What it actually tells me is that both those auction houses had no clue what they were selling. They likely have let other really desirable objects sell for way under their market value over the years due to their lack of competence.

It will be interesting to see if the Swiss auction house uses that result in their marketing. I suspect they will.

PS: Apropos of nothing – as this e-newsletter was going to press it has been reported that a record $37.7 million has been paid at Sotheby’s for a tiny dish from the Northern Song dynasty. Looking remarkably like a plain, light green cereal bowl to the untrained eye [i.e. to my eye], this is a record price for any Chinese ceramic.

A Book Recommendation from a Sister Hobby

I love books. I devour them at the rate of almost one per year.

Ok, so I'm no speed reader. But when I come across a book that might interest my fellow coin collectors I want to let them know. This book is called, “Art Collecting Today”, by Doug Woodham.

This book might not be obviously geared toward coin collectors. We numismatists feel that our problems, passions and pleasures are unique to us and to our hobby. But that is simply not the case.

They say that Leonardo Da Vinci's genius was his ability to see similarities and patterns across very different areas such as physics, art and biology. Maybe he had a few other things going for him too, but you get the idea.

The art world has many parallels to our own. Mr Woodham interviewed nearly 100 collectors, lawyers, art advisors, gallerists, and auction specialists in the United States and Europe.

He discusses the promoted areas, the trophy collectors, the condition issues, the pricing, the areas that became popular and then faded into semi-obscurity, and so on.

He discusses whether prices are more favorable at dealerships or at auction houses. He also proposes strategies for bidding at auction and other intriguing questions that pertain to both art and coin collecting. It is disarmingly honest, well written and extensively footnoted.

I found the wisdom from long time art collectors can help numismatists as well. Often their experiences collecting art were funny, and sometimes poignant too.

You can buy it on Amazon or your favorite bookseller. And if you mention my name, you will get zero percent off, as no one knows who the heck I am.

1786 Connecticut Copper. M. 2.2-D.2, the “Noble Head”. Good [uncertified].One of the important rarities among 1786 CT varieties, with perhaps 15 or so known in total. And unlike most of those known, there is no damage or corrosion on this one. There are a number of serious CT copper collectors that either lack this variety, or lack a problem free example. Here is your chance. $6950.

1787 Fugio Copper. PCGS graded MS64 BN. Newman 13-X, rarity-2. Undoubtedly from the Bank of New York Hoard, which was discovered in the 1850's. This coin has superb luster and traced of the original New Haven mint red. $4750.

1808 Draped Bust Half Cent. NGC graded MS63 Brown.Cohen-3, rarity-1. The 1808 “normal date” has only one die variety, and the date is anything but normal. The last 8 is actually made up of two small zeroes; it does not match the other 8. This coin is among the finest known of the date; they simply do not come much nicer. $9500.

1880 Liberty Nickel. PCGS graded MS65 CAC.Just 16,000 were minted, and this date is considered an extreme rarity in gem uncirculated. A prize for the date collector. PCGS TrueView images accompany this coin. $89,500.

1824 Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded AU58.Overton-113 die variety, considered to be rarity-1. A stunner, and more attractive than most mint state examples one is likely to come across. $1750.

1902 Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS65.In the recent past, this date (1902) was considered a much better date in gem uncirculated and typically sold for twice what common dates sold for. Now that attention has focused elsewhere in the market, the 1902 sells for the same price as the most common dates. They haven’t found any more of these – it is just something that can happen in overlooked series from time to time. Word to the wise… $1975.

1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS64 [ogh].The key to this popular series, housed in an older PCGS green tag holder. The next grade higher is a solid six figure coin. $62,500.

1923-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS65 CAC.An absolutely gorgeous coin. This date is nearly impossible to find this nice, and with this much eye appeal. Destined for the finest set of Walkers. $26,500.

(1526-1544) Henry VIII Fourpence. PCGS graded AU50.Great Britain. He's 'Enery the Eighth He Is, He Is! A very high grade example of perhaps the most famous (infamous?) of the English kings. Spink-2337E. $975.

1721-H French Colonies 9 Deniers. Extremely Fine. Counterfeit. Electrotype. Almost Uncirculated [uncertified].An electrotype of the very highest quality. This has actually been graded by PCGS as a genuine coin at one time; it came out of a PCGS XF-45 holder . Nobody’s perfect, and it is easy to see why they thought this coin was authentic. A superb example of the electrotypist's art – and it is made from a magnificent host coin. $775.

1764 Mexico Pillar Style Two Reales. PCGS graded AU50.Mexico City Mint. A high grade example of the workhorse denomination in the US Colonies. These “two bit” pieces were heavily used, and thus are difficult to find in high grades such as this. A PCGS TrueView image accompanies this coin. $595.

(1792) Washington Diplomatic Medal. Paris Mint Restrike. PCGS graded Gem Proof, DCAM.This is a 2 oz. silver modern restrike of the rare original. The medal comes with a COA and a case of issue. $240.

1798 Peru Two Reales. NGC graded MS63.Lima mint. IJ assayer. An incredible example of the portrait-style two reales coinage. They just don’t come like this. As I mentioned in the description of the 1764 two reales above, these coins were heavily used. Finding such a pristine example is a real treat for the eyes. Full, booming cartwheel luster, very light golden toning and struck just the slightest bit off center at one o’clock. $1250.

1836-O Contemporary Counterfeit Bust Half Dollar. Fine to Very Fine [uncertified].Davignon 4-D. One of the delights of the Bogus Bustie series. A date that doesn’t exist in the “real world”; the counterfeiters in the 1840’s must have seen a genuine 1839-O bust half and assumed there were other dates with an obverse O mintmark. There are ten examples reported. $975.

1837 Contemporary Counterfeit Bust Half Dollar. Almost Uncirculated [uncertified].Davignon 3-C. Also listed in JL Riddell’s 1845 book on US circulating coinage of that period, where it is listed as Riddell 472. This is a common variety in very uncommon condition. It is pedigreed to the personal collection of Anthony Terranova, and his tag accompanies the coin. $495.

1859 Cordoba Cathedral Medal by Jacques Wiener. Uncirculated [uncertified].Hoydonck-168. Jacques Wiener's magnificent rendering of the cathedral at Cordoba, Spain. Built in 786 as a mosque and converted to a cathedral in the 1200's. There is no truth to the rumor that this cathedral was named after the Chrysler Cordoba automobile, by the way. I want to put that to rest for good. $550.

1860 Seated Quarter. Contemporary Counterfeit. Very Fine [uncertified].C-101. A very rare contemporary counterfeit. There is a hard core of seated quarter contemporary counterfeit collectors out there so I expect this coin won't be around for long. $350

1877-1878 Collection of Four Box Trade Dollars.[uncertified].A spectacular, if small, collection, decades in the making. Unlike most box dollars that are damaged to one extent or another, all four box dollars are choice. Includes: + 1877 Trade dollar. XF-45. Has a frame for a phtotographic image. The lid is the reverse. + 1877-S Trade Dollar. Inside is a period photo of aa gent with a large, bushy mustache. The lid is the reverse. + 1878 Trade Dollar. Fine. This coin does have some marks where folks have tried to open it. The lid is the obverse. + 1877-S Trade Dollar. AU50. Another, though this one sports a woman’s picture. The lid is the reverse.All have pleasing silvery gray toning. $1850.

1902 Wells Fargo & Co. Semi-centennial Medal. Silver. PCGS graded MS62. With Original Box.HK-295, rarity-5. Very popular due to the flavor of the old West that anything Wells Fargo conveys. These medals were given out to certain employees of the firm in 1902. Difficult to find with the original box, especially a box so fine. $1495.

1949 Silver Bar from a Brazil Numismatic Expo. As Made [uncertified].This is a souvenir silver bar from the Brazil Numismatic Exposition held November 5-12, 1949; crowned shield SANPEX below / SANPEX across globe, date below, stamped with issue number 179. Rarely seen these days. $350.

Psst! Hey Buddy... You Wanna Buy a $10 Million Painting Just Found in Arizona?​

All I can say is – I thank goodness that we live in the fact-based world of coin authentication, and not the less scientific and somewhat “squishy” world of modern art authentication.

That was my reaction when I heard about a newly discovered, unsigned painting by the painter Jackson Pollock. At left you can see her in all her glory.

Unlike coins, where we use primarily scientific methods to authenticate coins, here is what the modern art world is forced to sometimes use for authentication (per the website of J. Levine, the auction company selling this painting this very week):

“Peter Paul Biro (Forensic Studies in Art):'… the dating of the painting to the mid twentieth century is well established as no pigments or binding media introduced in the late 1950s and 1960s have been detected. Furthermore, the artist’s working materials and painting technique are illuminated.' Full forensics report available upon request. “

So – no signature, no direct paper trail from the artist to the current owner, no mention of this painting in any prior catalog of this famous artist's work, etc. Just that the materials used were consistent with those used in the mid-1900's, it looks like something Mr. Pollock painted, and the owner has some sort of connection to the painter.

Now, I'm certainly not saying this isn't a genuine Jackson Pollock. If the auction company says it is, then it is. I have absolutely no scientific basis and no expertise to say otherwise (plus, I don't want to get sued by anybody). The auction house used every tool at their disposal to determine if it is authentic, and I applaud them for that.

I know that we in the coin hobby aren't 100% perfect in detecting counterfeits. But I also know that I sleep well, knowing the current excellent state of our coin authentication techniques.

I Found The One That Got Away

When I was a boy of around 12, I came across an old auction catalog of large cents. Specifically, it was the Louis Helfenstein Collection of Large Cents, sold by Lester Merkin in 1964. The cover photo stopped me in my tracks. See below for that image.

His large cent collection was out of this world in terms of quality. I purchased the catalog and that was that.

Then, sometime later, I was lucky enough to win a scholarship to attend the ANA Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs. And there, in the darkened bowels of the ANA museum there was a large, back-lighted image of this famous (in the numismatic world, anyway) photo above a display of large cents. I don't remember the coins in the display, but when I saw that image "floating" in a darkened room it was nearly a religious experience for me.

Fast forward to the mid-1990's.

The eminent numismatic book dealer Mr. Charles Davis had a stack of maybe 25 or 50 of these images at a coin show in Boston. They were poster size, in full color -- just beautifully done. Exactly what I was looking for. Wow! My dream had finally come true.So I obviously went right over there and purchased one. Right?

Wrong-o.

He had a whole pile of them, and I was very busy at that show. Besides, I didn't want to put that fragile photograph behind my table and then carry it home for fear that I might damage that precious cargo. So I told myself I'll buy a copy at the next show when I'm better prepared to handle this fragile, awkward item.

So right at the start of the next show on the circuit I ran up to Charlie's table and told him to put one aside for me.He said: Sorry. They are sold out.Wha...?All gone? So quickly? He had a big pile of them about 3 weeks before!Long story short -- I have spent the next 21 years looking for one of those damn posters.

And wouldn't you know it? At this Spring's Early American Coppers show in Philly, Charlie Davis once again had a (very small) stack of them. This time I bought one right away.

Now I can die a happy man.

As an epilogue to this story, later in that show a good friend and customer said - "I've got a present for you." And sure enough -- he had bought another one for me at the same show, not knowing I already bought one. I thanked him profusely, of course. (I had told everyone who would listen during those 21 years my tale of woe and of "the one that got away". Remarkably enough -- he remembered. My stories must be more memorable than I thought).

So I went from no posters, to 2 posters. I've since given one away to a family who is collecting high end early copper in a big way. Hopefully they will enjoy the image as much as I know I will.

1865 Seated Dime. PCGS graded MS67.A spectacular example of this popular civil war date, and likely among the finest few in existence. $11,500.

1847 Seated Quarter. PCGS graded MS65 CAC.This is the Gene Gardner specimen, last sold in 2014. It is among the finest known of this conditionally rare gem seated quarter date. It is accompanied by a PCGS TrueView image. $15,000.

1854-O Seated Quarter, With Arrows. PCGS graded VF-35.Huge O variety. Very popular due to the ridiculous, crude O mintmark that was seemingly carved into the die with a steak knife. This coin is unknown above Choice AU. $3550.

1891 Seated Quarter. PCGS graded MS66.Booming luster over light golden toning. A great example of the final year of this long lived series. $2400.

(1652) dated Pine Tree Threepence, Wyatt Copy. PCGS graded AU50.W-14060, per the Bowers' Colonial encyclopedia. Struck in silver, with crusty gray toning and just a hint of luster. Thomas Wyatt made these copies in New York City, most likely during the 1840-1856 period. They were first mentioned in a periodical of the day in June of 1856. A PCGS TrueView image of this coin is included. $975.

(1652) dated Pine Tree Sixpence, Wyatt Copy. PCGS graded XF45.W-14072, per the Bowers' Colonial encyclopedia. Struck in silver and made circa 1856 or so. Crusty gray toning, and not conserved in any way.A PCGS TrueView image of this coin is included. This coin and the previous Wyatt copy on this list have been off the market since at least the 1960's. $975.

1792 Washington President Pattern. Electrotype Copy. Almost Uncirculated [uncertified].A great,medium chocolate brown electrotype copy example of this rare pattern issue. I have never handled an original, so I have had to satisfy myself with this electrotype copy until that time comes. $295.

1793 Wreath Cent Electrotype Copy. Uncirculated [uncertified].A well made example of an uncirculated wreath cent. The host coin could likely be identified with some detective work, as it would be valued into the six figures today. $295.

1803 Half Eagle Size Kettle Token. PCGS graded XF40.A beautiful chocolate brown, with absolutely no trace of the gold wash that was likely originally present. These were manufactured in Birmingham, England for use as gaming tokens. They are often collected by US numismatists due to their similarity to US $5 gold pieces. This item is accompanied by PCGS TrueView images. $495.

1808-Mo Mexico Four Escudos Contemporary Counterfeit. Very Fine [uncertified].Likely brass, with a gold colored finish. It took guts to try to pass a “gold” 4 escudos counterfeit, as that was a hefty sum. Double struck, with subtle and pretty toning. $195.

1810 So Chile 8 Reales. NGC graded AU53.Santiago Mint. A well detailed portrait of Ferdinand VII (no relation to Franz Ferdinand, the 1980’s New Wave group, by the way). Lustrous and just one small step away from full uncirculated status. $1850.

1831 Bust Dime. Fine. Counterstamped [uncertified].As popular as the bust dime series is with collectors these days, what seems to be even more popular are those that sport counterstamps. This one says (or seems to say) EXTRA, but nearly all of the “A” is off the planchet. Attractive and crusty gray toning. $350.

1846-O Seated Dollar With Counterstamp. Very Fine [uncertified].Fantasy countermark, with a script FR VII for Frederik VII of Denmark on a US 1846 Seated Dollar. The FR VII countermarks on various coins of the world are believed to be fantasies produced in Paris at some time after 1860, as they appeared in coin auctions shortly afterward. There are no confirmed originals for these types. Still avidly collected when they show up. $495.

Ca.1630 KING RICHARD ll SILVER MEDALET/COUNTER BY SIMON DE PASSE Silver medelet in imitation of engraving. This item has been in an extensive collection of tokens & medals formed in England over the past half century. The collector who formed it told me it was his single favorite item in the collection. $395

1913-A Prussia 3 Marks. PCGS graded MS62.I’ll be honest – I bought this coin primarily for its crazy-go-nuts toning. More attractive even than the PCGS TrueView images would have you believe. $250.

1933 General Motors 25th Anniversary Medal.- NGC-61.A huge 76 mm (3 inch) diameter medal, struck in bronze and silver plated. Very popular due to the classic art deco design and the fame of the designer – Norman Bel Geddes. Bel Geddes was the designer of the Original 1939 “Futurama”. No no no, not the animated TV show, but the exhibition. If you own a car, or if you have ever ridden in a car, you need to own this medal. $1175.

1978 Canada One Cent, Elizabeth II, deep reverse die cap error, Red & Brown Uncirculated [uncertified].Holy moley is this thing cool! Sorry for my sudden display of enthusiasm, but it is true. This coin tells a story – a story of a wayward planchet that deformed greatly and then somehow got past the legendary Canadian mint quality assurance personnel. If this was on a US coin it would sell for multiples of this price. If the next owner wants me to have it slabbed by either PCGS or NGC, I will do so at my cost. But quite honestly – it is quite fun to examine it “in the raw”. $895.

As the father of 2 teenagers, I have tried for years to get either or both interested in history in general, and in coins in particular. Until now I have nothing to show for it.

My son (now 16) is a particularly tough nut to crack when it comes to being interested in the past. He once told me that any song more than a few months old is not worth listening to. Clearly I have my work cut out for me.

So I perked up when he said: "Dad -- I'd like to learn more about the past. Can you help teach me?"

I was stunned and delighted.

It took a while, but my years of planting those seeds of curiosity were about to pay off big time.

I'm thinking: Father of the Year? Well, I won't rule it out ...

I said, "Heh heh. Sure, son. What would you like to know?"

My son: "I don't get all of the joke references in [the animated TV series] Family Guy. For instance: who are Thelma & Louise?"

My ego deflated as quickly as my chest had puffed up. But I must tell you - those 10 seconds when I thought he was becoming a serious student of history were amazing. What a rush!​

My son might be a lost cause when it comes to interest in history & numismatics, but I am happy to say I run into plenty of serious teenagers and young adults who do have those interests. It seems to me that there are fewer young people casually interested in coins these days. But there are just about as many seriously interested as there always was.

Our hobby is tailor made for the internet. Coins are easy to photograph, study and ship safely through the mail. There is an endless explosion of new information out there, and you no longer need a $20,000 library to access it. And because there is now so much raw data out there from newspapers and old books as we digitize all of human knowledge, there are more discoveries being made and yet to come.​My son doesn't know what he is missing.

1652 Pine Tree Sixpence. PCGS graded AU50.Colorful and nearly unworn. The date side is perfectly centered, while the tree side has some lettering off the flan, as is the norm for these. $7600.

1766 Pitt Halfpenny. PCGS graded AU53.Repatriated by me from the Great White North (a.k.a. Canada), where it resided for much of its life. The coin sports a perfect milk chocolate brown patina. It's delicious, and so good for you too. $3350.

1910-S Lincoln Cent PCGS graded MS65 RB CAC.One of the semi-key dates in the Lincoln cent series, this coin is spot free, well struck and retains a large amount of original mint red. Advantageously priced too. $395.

1812 Bust half Dollar. PCGS graded MS61.Light satiny gray luster. A good looking early date coin that I would personally grade AU58 due to the touch of friction on the top of the cheek and bust. Ironically, attractive AU58 bust halves often sell for more than MS61’s these days. $2550.

1822 Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded AU55.O-112, considered to be rarity-4. About 40% of the original cartwheel luster remains on this high grade specimen. Not too many specimens of this variety are any finer. $2100.

1824 Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS64.Gorgeous original toning. If you were looking for a great bust half for your wildly toned US type set, your search has ended. $5600.

1827 Bust half Dollar. PCGS graded VF35.O-124a, considered to be rarity-5. Dusky gray toning, with light gray on the rubbed portions of the design. Many Capped Bust specialists collect 1827 halves by variety, and O-124a is one of the stoppers. $2200.

1827 Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded VF25.O-144, considered to be High Rarity-5. This coin has an attractive “circ-cam” look to it, with even a touch of luster showing around the stars. An important opportunity. $1075.

1836 Reeded Edge Half Dollar. PCGS graded XF45.An even light gray in color with hints of luster around the stars and letters. Always in heated demand due to the reported 1200 coin mintage (which is undoubtedly too low, but it Is still quite scarce). $4500.

1870-CC Seated Dollar. PCGS graded AU50.The first year of Carson City dollars, and one of the keys to the series. This one is crusty and original. $5600.

​1752-Mo Mexico Half Real. NGC graded MS65.Mexico City mint. Pillar style half reales in full gem condition are rare. This somewhat prooflike example has light toning on the reverse and is medallic in appearance. $2400.

1803 Half Eagle Size Kettle Token. PCGS graded VF35.Looks remarkably like what it was designed to imitate: a genuine US $5 gold piece. These were manufactured in Birmingham, England for use as gaming tokens. They are often collected by US numismatists due to their similarity to US $5 gold pieces. I suspect that more than a few were passed as genuine US gold coins over the years. This specimen has an especially good look to it, with much of the gilding remaining. When you see it in it's PCGS slab, you will likely do a double-take. To make it even more convincing to the unwary of long ago, the “Kettle” signature under Ms. Liberty's bust has nearly faded away from the dies. This item is accompanied by PCGS TrueView images. $495.

(ca. 1815?) Caracas Macuquina-style One Real "781", PCGS graded Fine-12.C12. cob-style silver 1 real "781". A very rare coin, and one that is almost never offered for sale. The most recent auction record I could find was an uncertified specimen in the Heritage April 2011 sale, lot # 26132. I quote from that catalog: “This ‘fantasy’ date was likely produced immediately prior to the standard round type of 1817-1821. What is exciting to the specialist is that the design elements seem to have been carefully located, relative to the times, upon first glance. However, upon close inspection it becomes clear that the lion and castles are randomly rotated, the L-M at the end of the cross is irregular and part of a date (?) is below (or above, as you wish) the cross ! Careless work, or just a die sinker who was not aware of the significance of the component elements.” That coin, described as very fine but not far from the detail on this coin, realized $5462 in that sale. $3500.

1795 Anti-Slavery Conder Token Farthing. NGC graded MS62 Brown.Middlesex-SpenceD&H-1118. A heartbreaking rendition of a man in chains, on his knees. The English were decades ahead of the Americans in abolishing the slave trade, though both countries profited mightily from the “peculiar institution” in the meantime. This example is an even light brown and very reasonably priced. $650.

1800-NG Guatemala Two Reales. NGC graded MS62.Fully uncirculated and somewhat prooflike. This would make a great go-with piece for the collector of early US quarters, since these 2 reales were much more likely to be in the pockets of residents of early America than were the infrequently seen US quarter dollars. $950.

In this issue of the e-newsletter you will find two coins. One held it's secrets for over 100 years. Yet another that still puzzles us after 150 years. Oh, and there are other coins for sale below too...

A Numismatic Mystery that Baffles Even Smart PeopleThe coin I am referring to is the coin illustrated above. It is the 1815 bust quarter with an “E” carefully punched above the head of Ms. Liberty.​

A number of bust quarters – all dated either 1815 or 1825 – are known with either an “E” or an “L” stamped above the head on the obverse. These have been known to numismatists since the early 1880's. Most are in very high grade, as is the one offered herein.

Personally, the theory I like best for why they exist is that they were used in some fashion by the Harmony Society, a cult formed in the early 1800's Pennsylvania. This cult, and the hoard of coins that its followers piled up in the 1820's and 1830's (known to us as the Economite hoard) is discussed at length by Dave Bowers' in his superb book on Coin Treasures and Hoards. This hoard was enormous, with over $75,000 in FACE VALUE of US gold and silver coins dated from 1794 to 1836. That includes over 111,000 half dollars alone.

Here is a brief summary of the Economite hoard written by Mike Sherman by Mike Sherman of PCGS on their site:

There is also an excellent discussion of all of the theories on why these counterstamped quarters exist by Steve Tomkins in his book on bust quarters.

Maybe you will be the one to solve this numismatic mystery once and for all.

Another Coin Mystery – This One Has Been SolvedElsewhere in this newsletter is a coin that hearkens back to a mystery of a different sort.

The unique “original, genuine” example of the Good Samaritan Shilling, was and is still housed in the British Museum. This coin was called, “one of the most famous numismatic forgeries of all time,” by the aforementioned Mr. Bowers. The Good Samaritan shilling was listed as a genuine US Colonial issue in the Redbook up until the late 1950's.

This mystery was solved by that young buck (at the time) - noted numismatist and current elder statesman Eric Newman. He wrote a treatise on it, called, The Secret of the Good Samaritan Shilling.

The British Museum piece was exposed by Mr. Newman as an alteration of a genuine Pine Tree Shilling. The piece offered in my list below is a concoction made in the mid-1800's to satisfy demand from the collectors of the day for this issue.

Now let's move on to the new arrivals.

The “Making the Grade” Featured Coin

1858 Flying Eagle Cent. PCGS graded Proof 64 CAC.Small Letters. Salmon pink toning over reflective fields and contrasting devices. $12,750.Not for nuttin' (as TV mobsters often say) but I learned something just recently about flying eagle cents. Dave Lange of NGC wrote an article published in this month's Numismatist magazine. He explained that in 1857 the law was passed decreeing that foreign coins could no longer be used in commerce in the US. Citizens could exchange their 2 reales coins (in wide circulation throughout the US at that time) for twenty cents in silver coins at the mint. However, if you wanted to exchange for the new flying eagle cents, they would give you twenty five of them. As you can imagine, most folks chose the latter, and that forced huge numbers of these coins into circulation immediately.

New Listings

1652 Oak Tree Shilling. PCGS graded XF45.The famous “Spiny Tree” variety, considered to be Rarity-4. Noe-14 die variety, Salmon 11a-Gi and considered to be rarity 4. The tree on this variety is seen by some as more like a cactus than a tree native to New England, but no matter. It is a popular variant for those collectors looking to include the major varieties. Found on page 41 of the 2017 Redbook. $8850.

1815 25c with Mysterious (and Scary) “E” Counterstamp. NGC graded AU50. B-1. OK, it isn't scary, but it really is mysterious. See the article above for details (you know – the one that you scrolled past to get to these new purchases). Another mystery is why PCGS does not currently slab these enigmatic coins, though they now slab all manner of similar tokens and medals. $2775.

1864-S Liberty Eagle. PCGS Graded Fine Details, Cleaned.I normally do not put coins that aren't “straight graded” on my lists, but I made an exception here. This coin is rare by any standard, with perhaps 25 coins known in all. I've been buying and selling coins since the late 1970's, and this is the first time I've handled an 1864-S $10.This is often the very last coin found when assembling a set of $10 Liberty's. It is second in rarity only to the 1875, but for some reason this date shows up even less often. PCGS # 8640. $46,500.

World Coins, Exonumia, Flotsam & Jetsam

(“1652”) Good Samaritan Shilling. Wyatt Copy. PCGS graded MS63.Silver. Listed in Dave Bowers' Encyclopedia of Colonial And Early American Coins as W-14092. This is the version with the Oak tree on the reverse. The obverse features the Good Samaritan of Biblical times aiding the beggar by the wayside. The reverse shows an excellent rendition of the Oak Tree Shilling. Bowers' Colonial Coin Encyclopedia lists this issue as 3 or 4 known. There may be a few more around than that, but it is undoubtedly quite rare. A PCGS MS62 example sold last year at auction for $3525. This coin is ex. Stacks 5/1998:47; the auction tag is included. PCGS # 534632. $3350.

“1781” Libertas Americana Electrotype. Uncirculated [uncertified].I have handled several nice Libertas Americana medal electrotypes over the years. But this one is simply without peer. Magnificent milk chocolate brown color, and as choice as an electrotype copy can be found. You will not be disappointed. $775.

“1794” Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. Altered from a Genuine 1795 Dollar. Very Fine [uncertified]If you thought the genuine 1794 dollar I have on my website is a steal at $229,500, you will go crazy with happiness at the price of this … well … genuine-challenged version. Someone – presumably a very long time ago – altered the date of this quite attractive 1795 Flowing Hair dollar so they could have an example of a 1794 in their set. Hey kids – don''t try this with your 1795 dollars at home. $2450.

1803 dated Half Eagle Counter. NGC graded VF20.Kettle & Sons of Birmingham, England designed these counters in the early 19th century. No doubt a few of them were passed illegally as genuine US $5 gold coins, which these greatly resemble. Interestingly, these imitations were listed in the Judd pattern book (in the appendix) until the 8th edition came out. $250.

“1804” Silver Dollar. Altered from a Genuine Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle Dollar. Fine [uncertified].Hard to believe but I have a second genuine-but-altered-date silver dollar for sale. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe a genuine example of the 1804 is considered a better date. $1250.

“1861” CSA 1c Restrike 4 Coin Set: in Gold, Platinum, Silver, Copper. NGC graded Gem Proof. These sets were created in 2011 especially for the Smithsonian Institution and distributed privately to their contributors. Thus these coins simply don't appear at coin shows. The gold, silver and platinum coins are .999 pure. This one comes in a wood and glass display box. $1275.

1836-1846: Group of Three Excellent Quality Electrotype Copies of Proof-Only Half Cents. Uncirculated [uncertified].Really well made copies of the 1836, 1843 and 1846 proof only half cents. Electrotypes of this quality must be very hard to make, as I rarely see them. And believe me – I'm looking. $750.

1849 Half Eagle “California Prospector” Counter. NGC graded AU58.A popular issue with the obverse imitating an 1849 half eagle and a reverse showing a gold prospector. This is the second one I've come across in the last year or so. A few of these have sold at auction in recent years in the $800 range. They aren’t worth that, but in this high grade they are easily worth … $250.

1859 Large Medal Commemorating Dr. Elisha Kent Kane, Arctic Explorer. NGC graded MS64. .Silvered White Metal, 50 mm. Engraved by George Lovett. Head resting on tablet depicting ship and a glacier, DR. ELISHA KENT KANE, THE GREAT ARCTIC NAVIGATOR, U.S.N. The reverse depicts a Masonic altar and regalia. This medal is of interest to Naval medal collectors, Masonic medal collectors as well as collectors of Lovett medals. Truth be told though, I purchased it because this particular one is incredibly beautiful. A large size medal that is housed in a larger sized NGC slab. Lots of coolness for $775.​1863 3 Cent pattern electrotype Copy. Uncirculated [uncertified].This decent quality electrotype of a 3 cent pattern employs an obverse die created from the coronet large cent design of 1840-1857. Because of the color I suspect this was meant to imitate the extremely rare Judd-320, of which there are perhaps 4-5 genuine examples known (they were struck in aluminum). $375.

Group of 6 Contemporary Counterfeits dated from 1837 to 1860. Various Grades [uncertified].Here is a great starter set of contemporary counterfeit coins, in different metals and spanning 4 different denominations. $750.

1882 Hawaii Haiku Plantation Token. PCGS graded AU53.Metcalf-15. The Haiku Plantation tokens are regarded as the prettiest within the Hawaiian token series. This sugar cane plantation was located on the island of Maui. In this period, several private firms issued tokens for use as money in Hawaiian company stores. The 1 rial denomination was equal to 12 ½ cents, or one day's wages (coincidentally, 12 ½ cents was also about 1 day's wages for most coin dealers in 2016. Our industry goal is to double that this year). Found on page 421 of the 2017 Redbook. $2350.

1900 Lesher Dollar. A.B. Bumstead. PCGS graded AU58.Type 1, Z-2, HK-788, considered to be rarity-5. A.B. Bumstead #180. Approximately 210 of these medals were originally struck. Joseph Lesher of Victor, Colorado, inspired by William Jennings Bryan's free silver platform, created them. Grocer A.B. Bumstead was an early and leading participant in Lesher's "referendum souvenir" program. He was stopped from issuing any more by the Secret Service in 1901. The detail on this coin is incredible; it is if you are walking around that Colorado town. $4275.

1921 “Transitional” Two Headed Silver Dollar. Uncirculated (uncertified).And now for something completely different. On offer is this two headed magician's coin, made from two genuine US silver dollars. The weird part of it is that they are of the two different designs made that year. Even weirder is that the 1921 peace dollar they used was a $300 coin before it was altered in this fashion. $85.

1909 Lincoln Centennial Medal. With Original Display Packaging & Ribbon. Uncirculated [uncertified].Bronze, 25mm. King-389. HK-unlisted. Issued by the City of New York, and designed by Bela Lyon Pratt (who also designed the famed Indian Head gold $2.50 quarter eagles and $5 half eagles the year before). The obverse depicts a bearded bust of Lincoln facing right. On the reverse, in the upper field an eagle with outstretched wings holds an olive branch in his talons.$145.

1914-S Barber Quarter Contemporary Counterfeit. Very Fine [uncertified].This is the second time I've offered this particular specimen. It is the only example of this rare issue I have owned. I quote from my own eloquent description: “An absolutely ludicrous looking, crude counterfeit. It is struck in brass, with a silver wash that has mostly worn away. As we say in New England – 'It's friggin' bizzah.'” $250.

1920-M Mexico One Peso. PCGS graded MS64.KM-455. Gorgeous pastel toning in shades of green, blue and rose gold. One of the key dates in the series. $475.

1922-M Mexico One Peso. PCGS graded MS65.KM-455. Beautifully toned in gold, light copper and with hints of green. Very difficult to find in this condition. $250.

1943-M Mexico One Peso. PCGS graded MS64.A common date, but not common at all with vibrant green toning. $150.

1781" (2014) Libertas Americana Medal. Paris Mint Restrike. Silver. 5 ounces. NGC graded Proof- 69 Ultra Cameo. A large, impressive, heavy silver medal made in the same mint that made them back in 1783. This specimen is serial number 873 of a maximum mintage of 10,000 pieces. The original box, COA and wooden case are included. Makes a great gift. Dealers usually want a lot of money for these popular medals, but every once in a while I am able to buy one at a reasonable price, and when I do I pass it along to you. $550.

Many of us- myself included- tend to think of the 1600's as a time when humorless people in pilgrim-style hats would sit around and say things like:

"I doth go to the washroom posthaste ".

And yes- I am aware that there was no indoor plumbing in the 1600s. That is what we creative types call, "poetic license".

But while reading an antiques publication recently, this image stopped me dead in my tracks:

(see above)

It depicts the fire that swept through the Amsterdam City Hall in 1652, the same year Massachusetts silver coinage began. Even though it is a horrific scene of destruction, I found it fascinating to see images of what life might have really been like – as opposed to the Norman Rockwell view of that time that has been seared onto our brains.

Coins do that for me as well. What is that you say? Some people counterfeited coins back in colonial times? And clipped the edges to save a little silver from each coin they handled? And they hoarded coins because they didn't know how the Civil War would turn out? And used mostly foreign coins in commerce because the US mint did not produce nearly enough coins to satisfy the needs of the nation during our first few decades? These little tidbits of information help me paint a more accurate, more vivid picture of their lives, not the whitewashed version we learned in school.

Maybe that's why one of my favorite expressions is:

"In times like these, it is helpful to remember that there have always been times like these"

-Paul Harvey

The “Making the Grade” Featured Coin

1652 Pine Tree Shilling. PCGS graded VF30.

Small planchet. Noe-19, Salmon 5-B, considered to be rarity-5. 70.53 grains, per the PCGS tag. Perfectly centered and full dentillation on both sides. Quite a tough die variety, though you are paying little or no premium for that. $4800.----------------------------

New Listings

1901 Indian Cent. PCGS graded Proof-65 Brown.A stunner, quite possibly from an original proof set. As noted Indian cent expert Rick Snow has said – many of these vibrantly blue toned Indian cent proofs were wrapped in suphur-containing paper by mint workers prior to being mailed to those who ordered them. Often the paper was discarded once received. Occasionally it is retained, and this can be the result. This coin has an Eagle Eye seal of approval, though it will have to be re-stickered by Mr. Snow. In addition – this coin is accompanied by PCGS TrueView images. $995.

1825 Bust Half Dollar. PCGS graded AU55.O-106, considered to be rarity-2. A ring of deep gold at the periphery fades to near white at the centers. $595.

1833 Bust Half Dollar. PCGG graded XF45.Deep blue and gray toning, with some dirt still hiding in some of the letters. This coin is accompanied by PCGS TrueView images. $275.

1899-O Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded AU55.Another freshly graded coin from an old-time collection. Just back from PCGS, and with a fresh TrueView image to boot. Some AU55 Barber halves look XF at first glance; this AU55 looks fully uncirculated at first blush. $850.

1878-S Trade Dollar. PCGS graded VF35.I purchased this coin raw from an antique dealer and sent it in myself. Just a choice, original coin. $250.

1653 Austria Thaler. NGC graded MS61.Salzburg. Davenport-3504. A blue-green stunner. There is tremendous value in hand selected silver dollar size European coinage of the 1600’s through the 1700’s like this one. $975.

Group of Four 17th Century Contemporary Counterfeit Irish Tokens. [Uncertified].Forgeries and fantasies of Irish tokens from the 1600's. Consists of: Nottingham, John Blunt; Thomas Burrowes (2); together with a lead squeeze coupling the rev. of John Trewman’s Nottingham token with the obverse of a Halfpenny of Philip Allen of Highgate. An interesting study group, both to learn more about this tumultuous time in Irish history and to research any possible connections with the enigmatic St. Patrick's coinage that circulated here in America. $295.

1783 Washington and Independence Electrotype. Uncirculated [uncertified].A well made example of popular colonial Washingtonia. $95.

1786 Non Vi Virtute Vici. Electrotype. Very Fine [uncertified].An excellent, high quality electrotype of this rare colonial pattern. As a genuine specimen it would cost you the better part of $100k. Mercifully, you can fill this hole in your collection for even less right here. $295.

1848 Silver Medal of the Covered Market in Brussels, Belgium by Jacques Wiener. Uncirculated [uncertified].You've got your usual obverse scene of an angel stabbing the devil in the mouth with a giant sword. And for contrast on the reverse you have a 3 dimensional view of the interior of the famous covered market in Brussels. This market is still in existence today. Though it has been updated over the years, you can still see the similarity. This medal is in silver and is smaller than the large Cathedral medals engraver Jacques Wiener is most famous for. At 30mm and 10 grams of silver, it is a little larger than a US half dollar. $175.

“1850” Dated $50 Gold Slug Imitation. Uncirculated [uncertified].Looped at the top for suspension. One of the many different variants of this popular design. Very likely a 20th century concoction. $65.

1854 Mexico 8 Reales. Genuine Coin; Fake Counterstamp. Extremely Fine [uncertified].This is a coin that was altered by adding a fake countermark, designed to fool collectors. This was likely done a few decades ago, as there was a little group of these that surfaced in the 1950’s or 1960’s, as I recall. A great example to add to your reference collection.$120.

1864 Cathedral Medal - Hagia St. Sophia in Constantinople - by Jacques Wiener. Uncirculated [uncertified].59 mm, Bronze. Van Hoydonck-206. Considered one of the 7 man-made wonders of the world, this famous cathedral was built in 532. Added to and rebuit a number of times over the years, it was also converted to a mosque for a period of time. It is now a museum and major tourist attraction in what is now Istanbul. The medal shows two views of the elaborate interior of this medal -- a key to the Wiener medal series. I have been fortunate to offer 2 of the most desirable Wiener cathedral medals in as many months. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than smart. $1100.​1924 and Undated Contemporary Counterfeit Standing Liberty Quarters. Lot of 2. Fine or Better [uncertified].These two cast counterfeits are much nicer casts than are typically seen, which is why I am offering them. The specimen with the indistinct date sports beautiful concentric rings of toning, while the 1924 has lots of detail remaining. $75.

Below I am offering you some very special holiday treats. And when it comes right down to it – who deserves a treat more than you?

OK, a lot of people probably deserve it way more than you do. We are all pretty fortunate to have the time & resources to devote to this great hobby of ours. After all, coin collecting is ranked as the #1 greatest hobby in the history of the world, at least according to the survey I just did of my customers.

But on the other hand, you know exactly what you want. And if I’ve done my job correctly, some of those items that you want (and perhaps a few you didn’t know you wanted until you saw them) will be listed for sale below. If not, hopefully you find the presentation worth skimming, as nearly every one of these items cannot be found elsewhere.

Because I found so much boffo stuff, I had to break it up into two newsletters. The second part of the list will go out to you on Monday of next week.

What Coin Collecting is all About (Really)

Recently I was emailing back and forth with a good customer. We were discussing a cool but esoteric medal. [If you must know, we were discussing the 1933 Huey Long ‘Toilet Medal’. It's a neat medal with a great back story). During the course of our email string, he sent me something so profound that I asked to reprint it here, so all 4 of my loyal readers could appreciate it. He agreed:

To be honest and serious about what it’s supposed to be all about, in February 2015 I purchased a Proof 65 Cameo 1863 dime in a Heritage auction. This coin is not something I normally collect or buy. But for whatever reason, I just kept thinking about that coin: Someone in the midst of the Civil War took the time to buy a proof coin from the mint. Obviously I have no idea who it was. But that person, almost surely a man, and I have something in common. If he died in 1900, he’s been dead for 116 years but if we could meet, I expect he and I would be able to talk about coins and collecting. Given that small fraction of our population that ardently collects coins, I have something more in common with that person than with virtually all of my contemporaries. (Now, I also suspect that I’d vehemently disagree with many of his views, but he and I are both products of our vastly different times.) I’ve kept that coin on the small coffee table next to where I watch TV ever since it arrived at my house. I look at it reasonably frequently and muse a bit about the person who purchased it and what his life was like.

Now On to the NewP's

As in my previous newsletters, these coins are the items I have gathered over the last few weeks. The plan is to upload all these coins to my website. In the meantime, readers of this newsletter will be the very first to lay eyes on these offerings. By popular demand, I've included photos of the coins where I have them.

The “Making the Grade” Featured Coin

1896 Six Piece Proof Set. NGC graded Proof-65 to 67.A gorgeous, perfectly matched proof set of the kind that is rarely seen in today’s market. Most such sets were broken up during the dawn of the slab era to satisfy collectors in each of these proof series. Even if you don’t purchase this, take a moment to see how well matched these coins are. The coins are graded as follows: Cent: Proof-65 Red & Brown; Nickel: Proof-67 Cameo; Dime: Proof-67 Cameo; Quarter: Proof-67 Cameo; Half: Proof-66 Cameo; Dollar: Proof-66 Cameo. Photos of each individual coin in the set will be sent to those seriously interested upon request. $29,750.----------------------------

New Listings

(Ca 1670) St. Patrick’s Halfpenny.. PCGS graded VF30.Vlack 1-B. A nice medium brown, with hard surfaces. The golden splasher over the crown is quite large and well centered. $2650.

1938 Lincoln Cent. PCGS graded Proof-66+ Red CAC.This coin is accompanied by a PCGS TrueView Image. Of the 7 coins PCGS has graded at this level, auction records range as high as $1,880. This one is … $985.

1966 Souvenir Cards Presented Personally by Felix Schlag, Designer of the Jefferson Nickel, in Connection with Anniversary Celebrations at Local Banks.A great go-with piece for a Jefferson nickel collection. Each has a Mint State Jefferson nickel incorporated as part of the design: St. Joseph Valley Bank, Elkart/ Nappanee, Indiana, white card stock, hand-signed by the designer of the nickel, Felix Schlag; and Community State Bank of Dowagiac, Michigan, pale blue card stock, Serial No. 1014, with door prize stub still attached. Felix Schlag died in 1974. $150.

1835 Bust Dime. PCGS graded AU55.The best coin to come out of a small group of coins that I purchased here in Connecticut from a non-collector holding. It was found in a drawer with a few other coins of the period. I just got it back from PCGS. It doesn’t happen too often any more, but it is always fun to handle a coin that has been in a non-collector hands since it was made. Be the first to add it to a collection. $475.

1926 Indian Quarter Eagle. PCGS graded MS63 CAC.Yes – this is a common coin. But these are currently so bizarrely cheap that I couldn’t resist listing this flashy, lustrous one. $495.

World Coins, Exonumia, Flotsam & Jetsam

"1652" (ca. 1853) Oak Tree Shilling. Wyatt Copy in Silver. Almost Uncirculated [uncertified].Noe-OA, Kenney-3. Medal turn. Glossy surfaces show deep golden-gray toning and excellent eye appeal. Well centered and struck, it appears to have a wavy planchet similar to the original oak tree shillings that Mr. Wyatt was imitating. PCGS# 534621. $775.

1787 Contemporary Counterfeit 2 Reales. About Uncirculated [uncertified].Kleeberg 87B-P5. Brass. Believed to be unique. Ex. Mike Ringo Estate; Schaumburg sale Stack’s 6/2009:69 at $747.50; Stack’s 11/2012:6916 at $546.50). How many unique coins that likely circulated in pre-federal America can you buy for less than a grand? Here is one. $650.

1796 Contemporary Counterfeit 2 Reales. Extremely Fine [uncertified].Kleeberg-unlisted. The plate coin in the Lorenzo update to Kleeberg, and the finest of the three that are now known (a third specimen of this variety was discovered in October of 2016). Counterfeit two reales don’t come much better, regardless of variety. $495.

1801 Contemporary Counterfeit 2 Reales. Very Fine [uncertified].Kleeberg 01A-M7. A popular variety due to the backwards 1’s in the date. Great pedigree too, and significant, as it was originally purchased from a non-numismatic source in the New York City area, where some theorize these counterfeits were originally made. Ex. New York City jeweler; Mike Ringo Collection; Dennis Wierzba; Stack’s 11/2012:6935; private collection. $195.

1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar With Counterstamp. Very Fine [uncertified].A richly toned early half dollar with “Wagner” counterstamp in the obverse field. Quite rare to find a counterstamp on a desirable host coin like this. $950.

1849 Half Eagle “California Prospector” Counter. NGC graded AU58.A popular issue with the obverse imitating an 1849 half eagle and a reverse showing a gold prospector. A few of these have sold at auction in recent years in the $800 range. They aren’t worth that, but in this high grade they are easily worth … $250.

1854 Cathedrale de York. Wiener Cathedral Medal. Uncirculated [uncertified].Hoydonck-unlisted. 59 mm, bronze. This is the extremely rare variant in French. Unlisted in any reference on the series – this is the first time I’ve laid eyes on one, much less owned one. A grand opportunity for the collector of these magnificent, intricately detailed medals engraved by the master engraver, Jacques Wiener. $975.

1854 Seated Quarter With Arrows. J Polhemus Counterstamp. Host Coin About Good. Counterstamp Extremely Fine [uncertified].J. Polhemus/Druggist/Sacramento, CA. This is an extremely popular counterstamp, largely due to the fact that coins were found with this counterstamp at the bottom of the sea – as a part of the Central America treasure. $650.

(Ca. 1862) Lovett's Washington Headquarters Series.Baker-194A. GW-488 through GW-497. NGC graded MS64 Brown to MS65 Red & Brown.During the civil war, George Lovett of New York City issued a series of ten medals featuring the various sites where Washington had established his headquarters during the Revolutionary War. The obverse of each medal has a bust left portrait of Washington in a military uniform with the headquarters building shown on the reverse. Thanks to Neil Musante's just published, world class two volume set of books entitled, “Medallic Washington”, there has been a resurgence of interest in this series. On page 448 of his book he illustrates an ad that George Lovett placed in a February 10, 1862 Bangs, Merwin & Co. sale catalog where these medals were originally sold to collectors. Occasionally I see an offering of one of these medals here and there, but this is the first time I recall seeing a complete set of 10 medals for sale. This set was likely kept together since the time it was issued in 1862.They feature the second obverse, exhibiting Washington's bust, facing left, inside a border of stars. Included: Chad's Ford MS64 Brown; Dobb's Ferry MS64 Red and Brown; Harlem MS65 Red & Brown; Morristown MS65 Red and Brown; Newburg MS64 Red and Brown; Sufferns MS64 Brown; Tappan MS65 Red & Brown; Valley Forge MS64 Brown; Whitemarsh MS65 Red and Brown; and White Plains MS65 Red and Brown. $2475.

1873 Seated Half Dollar, With Arrows. Bradley & Smith Counterstamp. Very Fine [uncertified].A great looking, richly toned example of this rare and desirable counterstamp. It reads: Bradley & Smith/Brushes NY/Asbury Park, NJ. If The Boss (a.k.a. Bruce Springsteen) collects coins, I would bet he has one of these in his collection. $750

"1781" (2014) Libertas Americana Medal. Paris Mint Restrike. Silver. 5 ounces. Proof- 69 Ultra Cameo (NGC).Serial # 891. The same as the above coin, only one grade lower. The original box, COA and wooden case are included here as well. These make great gifts. $550.

In this issue you will be able to view more than an embarrassment of riches in rare and unusual coins.

This can best be described as a humiliation of riches. Yes, you will feel just like Scrooge McDuck when you dive into this listing.

In addition to the somewhat interesting article below, you will see a selection of coins that are simply not available anywhere else. A few of these coins you probably didn’t know existed. But once you see them, you can’t un-see them. And you just might wish to add one or two to your holdings.

The 100 Point Grading System: That Frog Has Been Boiled

Two or three times per week I get a variation of the same question from collectors. That question is: “When are the grading services going to 'force' us into using a 100 point grading system?”

The vast majority of collectors I talk to are against the 100 point grading system. They don’t care for it for one very good reason. They feel they will be at a disadvantage when they sell their coins if they don't convert their slab coins from the old grading system into the new 100 point grading system, and they are annoyed at the expense of regrading all of their slabbed coins that would involve.

To all those folks concerned about this: I have some good news and some not so good news. First the good news. It is my strong belief that the 100 point grading system will never be implemented. I do not have any inside information on this; I just feel it would be very bad business for these companies to institute it, and would alienate their end user customers.

Now for the bad news. The 100 point grading system has already been implemented. In fact, you have been living with it for a few years now.

This can be analogized to placing a frog in a pot of water. Most of you have heard this old saw. But for those of you who haven't and for those who may be disturbed by the harming of a theoretical amphibian – please turn down your Internet.

Anyway, (from what I am told) if you put a frog in a pot of room temperature water and slowly raise the temperature of that water on a stove, by the time the frog realizes he is in big trouble, he will be unable to jump out of the pot. That is what has happened to all of us collectors, dear reader.

The 100 point grading system has been implemented ever since they went to “Plus” grading. In other words: AU53+, MS62+, MS66+, and so on. When you add up all those new little pluses from nearly every grade from XF 45 through MS 68, it totals up to the equivalent of a 100 point grading system.

It was pure genius. In fact, the new system had been in place for about 10 months before someone pointed out to me that this was the 100 point grading system we had all dreaded. I didn't even notice it had happened either.

And upon further analysis this really isn't such a bad thing. After all, you don't need to get all of your coins regraded. If you happen to have a few Super-Dee-Duper coins in your collection, you might find it financially advisable to get those re-graded to see if they will earn a plus right before you sell them. But that's not much different than it was before the pluses were added to numerical grades.

So relax folks. The big, bad 100 point grading system isn't likely to come to your town anytime soon. It already has been living among us, just like the aliens in nearly every Twilight Zone episode ever made.

Now On to the NewP's

As in my previous newsletters, these coins are the items I have gathered over the last few weeks. The plan is to upload all these coins to my website. In the meantime, readers of this newsletter will be the very first to lay eyes on these offerings. By popular demand, I've included photos of the coins where I have them.

The “Making the Grade” Featured Coin

1891 Morgan Dollar. PCGS graded Proof-66+. CAC.A gorgeous proof of the pristine kind that is rarely seen in today's “squeeze-the-last-bit-of-grade-increase-out-of-a-coin-by-dipping-it” coin market. A superb gem proof dollar of the type that was routinely seen a few decades ago but not so much now. $7975.----------------------------

New Listings1785 Connecticut Copper. Bust Right. PCGS graded AU50. Ex. Hessberg Collection.Miller 6.3-g.1 die variety, considered to be rarity-3. A perfect milk chocolate brown specimen that sports the famous Hessberg pedigree. Mr. Hessberg’s collection was known for exceptional quality early copper coins and this piece is no exception. This coin comes with PCGS TrueView images. $6250.

1787 Connecticut Copper. Draped Bust Left, AUCTOBI Variety. PCGS graded AU55.AUCTOBI Redbook variety. Miller 39.1-h.1 die variety, considered to be rarity-5. Very desirable in this high grade; the single highest graded of the AUCTOBI type that PCGS has graded, and easily in the condition census. Hard chocolate brown surfaces. $6950.

1787 Connecticut Copper. PCGS graded AU58+. Ex. John Ford Collection.Draped Bust Left. Miller-25-b die variety, considered to be rarity 5. This coin was last sold in Stack’s auction of the John Ford collection in May of 2005, where as lot #320 it was called Uncirculated and the finest seen. It sold for $10,350 at that auction. A phenomenal opportunity for the colonial coin specialist. It is pedigreed to the S.H.&H. Chapman auction of the John Mills collection, 4/27/1904 where it was lot #291. This coin comes with PCGS TrueView images. $7750.

1802/0 Half Cent. Reverse of 1802. PCGS graded Fine-12.A key date in this eminently completable series. Far superior in color and surface vs. pretty much any specimen I have seen in this grade range. $4450.

1811 Half Cent. PCGS graded Very Fine-35. CAC.Another key date half cent, this one emanating from the same Connecticut collection as the previous coin. Hard surfaces; choice and unbrushed. $4450.

1814 Bust Half Dollar. Single Leaf. PCGS graded XF40.Overton-105a die variety, considered to be rarity-4. Under intense collector pressure, as the Single Leaf is listed as a separate Redbook variety. This coin is an even light gray with the barest hints of mint luster clinging to the protected areas. $1200.

1836 Gobrecht Dollar. PCGS graded PR-53. OGH. CAC.Original Striking. One of the most desirable issues in US coinage. Is it a pattern? Is it a regular issue? Scholars continue to debate, but the consensus is leaning towards these were meant to circulate. A lovely, choice, unmolested example. $22,750.

1921 Morgan Dollar. PCGS graded MS65.1921 Morgans are not known for attractive toning, for some reason. This specimen is a happy exception. $160.

1921-D $1 NGC graded MS64.A lightly toned, pleasing example. $75.

1900 Lesher Dollar. A.B. Bumstead. PCGS graded AU58. CAC.Type 1, Z-2, HK-788, considered to be rarity-5. A.B. Bumstead #538. Approximately 210 of these medals were originally struck.Joseph Lesher of Victor, Colorado, inspired by William Jennings Bryan's free silver platform, created them. Grocer A.B. Bumstead was an early and leading participant in Lesher's "referendum souvenir" program. He was stopped from issuing any more by the Secret Service in 1901.This coin comes with PCGS TrueView images. $3895.

(1430-1431) England, Twopence of Henry VI. NGC graded VF25.Spink-1862. King Henry VI’s reign began at the ripe old age of 9 months, and was marked by several wars. He is perhaps best known as the subject of three of William Shakespeare’s plays. He had cool coin designs though; his coinage makes him look like a member of the Rolling Stones circa 1968. Nice coin too, with blue, gold and green coloration. $295.

(1431-1432) England. Fourpence of Henry VI. PCGS graded XF40.Spink-1875 This fourpence, or groat, is gorgeously toned in green, gold and gray. Well centered, round and with all of the detail showing, it is the perfect specimen for someone who only wants one example. There are PCGS TrueView images of this coin. $495.

(1660-1662) England. Twopence of Charles II. PCGS graded VF30.Beautifully detailed example of the coinage of the English king that earned the moniker, “The Merry Monarch”. There are PCGS TrueView images of this coin. $375.

1793 Contemporary Counterfeit 2 Reales. The “Liberace Head”. Very Fine [uncertified].Kleeberg 93A-L6. Copper. Lima mintmark. Hard surfaces and nice medium brown color, with some weakness on Mr. Liberace’s head. [In case you were wondering, this variety was given this name by John Kleeberg, who wrote the treatise on this series. Though I wouldn’t blame you if you assumed I made it up. It sounds like something I would dream up]. $495.

1800 Mexico One Real. PCGS graded MS63.A gorgeous example of this issue, also known as a 12 ½ cent piece here in the good ol' USA. These coins were heavily used both here and abroad, and finding uncirculated examples that haven't been scrubbed to death is a real chore. A PCGS TrueView image accompanies this coin. $895.

1804 Contemporary Counterfeit 2 Reales. Copper-Nickel. Extremely Fine [uncertified].Kleeberg 04A-L12. Lima, Peru mintmark. Very little actual wear on this piece, as this coin was designed to look worn when new to pass easier. Photo #6939 $295.

1834 Classic Head Half Eagle Counterfeit. Extremely Fine [uncertified].This appears to be a base metal with a heavy plating of gold on top. I am not convinced this is a contemporary counterfeit, so I am not claiming it is. Still, a neat coin and the first I have seen of this. $225

1851 Liberty Quarter Eagle Contemporary Counterfeit. Very Fine [uncertified].Another crude counterfeit of the period, from the same collection as some of the other unusual counterfeits I’ve offered recently. $195.

1855 Wiener Medal. Notre Dame in Paris. Uncirculated [uncertified].59 mm bronze, Van Hoydonck 122. The spectacular rendering of perhaps the most famous cathedral in the world – Notre Dame in Paris. A superlative example. $395.

1863 Wiener Medal. Cathedral At Speyer. Uncirculated [uncertified].59 mm, Bronze. Van Hoydonck 199. Originally built in 1030, this Bavarian cathedral was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the hundreds of years before Jacques Wiener engraved this medal. A choice example. $395.

1890-O Morgan Dollar Contemporary Counterfeit. Extremely Fine [uncertified].Crudely made, and fun to look at as such. I know this is a contemporary counterfeit, as it resided in an old time counterfeit collection. However, I cannot prove it scientifically. Thus it is only $95.

1914-S Barber Quarter Contemporary Counterfeit. Very Fine [uncertified].An absolutely ludicrous looking, crude counterfeit. I collected contemporary counterfeit Barber coinage for over 20 years and have never seen one of these before. It is struck in brass, with a silver wash that has mostly worn away. As we say in New England – “It's friggin' bizzah.” $250.

1924-S/S/S Standing Liberty Quarter Contemporary Counterfeit. Very Fine [uncertified].This was actually described as a genuine variety in the first edition of J.H. Cline’s book on Standing Liberty Quarters, though it was removed without explanation from later editions. It is a well made coin for the period, though with crude details under close examination. I am told that Dr. Michael Fey wrote an article on this counterfeit in 2008, but I was unable to locate it. I handled another specimen, the only other one I have seen, several months ago. As a result I was offered this one. $295.

Coming Soon...

1933 Huey Long "toilet medal"More contemporary CounterfeitsOther goodies to delight and amaze you

In this issue I've got more new and interesting new purchases then you can shake a stick at. Go ahead. Shake a stick at something, and know that I have more new and interesting purchases than even that.

So much new stuff for you to peruse that part 2 of this list will be coming out next week with equally cool items.

On Coins and Kittens ... And On Leaving Your Comfort Zone

My wife and I have become good friends with a family in our neighborhood. They are originally from China, though they have since become US citizens.

Recently the wife's parents traveled from China to stay with their kids and grand kids for an extended visit. Since they know no English, I vowed to learn some Mandarin Chinese phrases so at least I could communicate with them a little.

I took this very seriously. I practiced a few phrases over and over and tried hard to get the pronunciation exactly right.

Well, when I finally sprung my first well-rehearsed phrase on them, they might have been really impressed. I say “might” because they reacted instead with … laughter.

So I said it again. More smiles and even louder, but still somehow polite, laughter.

To this day, I don't know if they were laughing because this poor Westerner was trying so hard to say a few simple phrases. Or perhaps they were laughing because I was inadvertently saying something in Mandarin like:

"My uncle just digested a kitten".

I'm not sure what reaction I was expecting. But I'm still glad I took the time to step out of my comfort zone and to try something new.

So in that spirit I challenge each of you to put a toe in the water of one area of numismatics that has intrigued you a bit but you have not yet fully explored. Perhaps it is civil war tokens. Or maybe cool looking medals. Or coins of other countries that heavily circulated in early America until 1857, when that was no longer allowed by federal law.

Perhaps not coincidentally, see below and on my website for a selection of some of these out-of-the ordinary items that just might start you on your way to leaving your own personal comfort zone and finding a whole new world.

Now On to the NewP's

As in my previous newsletters, these coins are the items I have gathered over the last few weeks. The plan is to upload all these coins to my website. In the meantime, readers of this newsletter will be the very first to lay eyes on these offerings. By popular demand, I've included photos of the coins where I have them.

The “Making the Grade” Featured Coin

1807 Bust Quarter. PCGS graded MS64.Now here's a real whamma-jamma of a coin (that is a technical term; you best look it up). Just a beautiful example of a an early quarter. The next step up in grade will cost you over $100,000. This coin is accompanied by a PCGS TrueView image. $39,500.

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New Listings

1856 Braided Hair Half Cent. PCGS graded MS64 Red. CAC.Full blazing red on a type that simply does not come this way. A freak of nature, for sure. A coin like this should simply not exist. $7750.

1872 Two Cent Piece. PCGS graded Proof-66 Red & Brown. CAC.Significant amounts of red remain on this key date proof 2c piece. Very popular, as this series is unusual and completeable. The mintage was only 950, as my trusty Redbook will attest. $2675.

1838-O No Stars Seated Dime. PCGS graded AU55.This issue is very popular with numismatists due to its scarcity, as well as the fact that these dimes were the first coins struck at the New Orleans mint. Listed in the top 10 of the “10 most popular Seated Liberty O-mint coins,” in a survey of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club some years back. $1975.

1886-O Morgan Dollar. PCGS graded MS64+.Beautiful light green and gold obverse toning, with a great strike, a clean cheek and good luster. On the very cusp of 65, yet without the $175,000 price tag that an MS65 brings in today's market. Maybe someone more clever than I can upgrade it and “make” a cool $150k for themselves. If you do, you owe me a cheese sandwich. I'm serious about that sandwich. Or you can simply enjoy it as a great example of an extremely tough date in the Morgan dollar series. PCGS #7168. $26,950.

​1875 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded MS64+.A beautiful coin with many claims to full MS65, without the MS65 price. Violent violet toning over lustrous surfaces and a sharp strike. This coin Is accompanied by a PCGS TrueView image. PCGS #7037. $15,500.

1950-S Booker T Washington Commemorative Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS66.A nearly untoned example of this scarce and overlooked commemorative half. Like many in this series, you get very high grade, high quality, quite scarce coin for very little financial outlay. $135.

1798 Draped Bust Quarter Eagle. PCGS graded AU55.One of two great early gold rarities being offered herein. This is the wide date, 5 berries Redbook type. Interestingly, this reverse die was also used to strike some of the 1798 and 1800 dimes, as they are of the same diameter. There are maybe 75 pieces known of this date in all grades, from jewelry pieces on up. A scarce coin, to be sure. $45,000.

1804 $10 Gold. PCGS graded AU55.Another one of the great dates of the early gold series. Many advanced collections either skip this date entirely, or settle for one of the typical weakly struck examples that are often covered with adjustment marks. For those who know early tens, you will see this coin as a true find. $ 85,000.

(1526-1544) Henry VIII Fourpence. PCGS graded AU55.Great Britain. He's 'Enery the Eighth He Is, He Is! A very high grade example of perhaps the most famous (infamous?) of the English kings. Spink-2337E. $1295.

1779 Peru Two Reales. PCGS graded AU50.A beautiful, original example of this scarce 2 reales. This coin is accompanied by a TrueView image. $495.

1781 Mexico 8 reales. PCGS graded AU58.Crusty, choice and original example of a portrait style pillar dollar, or piece of eight. This coin is accompanied by a PCGS TrueView image. $695.

1795 Anti-Slavery Conder Token Farthing. PCGS graded MS66 Brown.Middlesex D&H-1118. A heartbreaking rendition of a man in chains, on his knees. The English were decades ahead of the Americans in abolishing the slave trade, though both countries profited mightily from the “peculiar institution” in the meantime. This example is superlative in every way and available at a most reasonable price. $1250.

1820 Mexico Half Real. PCGS graded MS65.Mexico City Mint, JJ assayer. Choice, original and lustrous. A very high grade for this issue; in fact, this is the single highest graded coin of the date seen so far by either service. This coin is accompanied by a PCGS TrueView image. $575.

1844 Contemporary Counterfeit Quarter Eagle Gold Coin. Very Fine [uncertified].A delightful example. Purchased as a part of a group of contemporary counterfeits from a dealer friend. Quite crude and lovely; hand cut dies and featuring a very determined look on the visage of Ms. Liberty. $295.

1846 Wiener Medal. Cathedral at St. Aubin at Namur. Uncirculated [uncertified].59 mm, bronze. Van Hoydonck 22. A gorgeous example of Jacques Wiener's depiction of this famous cathedral in Belgium. $295.

1864 Wiener Medal. Cathedral At Florence. Uncirculated [uncertified].59 mm, Bronze. Van Hoydonck 205. One of the most recognizable buildings in Italy, the cathedral was begun in the 13th century.The east doors were dubbed by Michelangelo the Gates of Paradise., so those must be some swell doors. Jacques Wiener does his usual amazing job of 3D sculpture on this medal. $395.

Die Set up Piece for 1983 Hawaiian Dollar Medal. Uncirculated [uncertified].An unusual and dramatic Die Set-Up strike from the Royal Hawaiian Mint, struck in the mid 1980’s. The RHM struck replica medals of the 1883 Hawaiian Dollar. The notorious Bernard Von Nothaus (hey – wouldn't that be a great name for the bad guy in a James Bond movie, or maybe for a German rapper?) made this three-strike item on a square piece of scrap metal to test the dies and presses. It measures 4’ x 4’ on each side, and all three strikes are die struck on both sides. Von Nothaus was found guilty in a Federal Trial regarding the “Liberty Dollar” he had been minting for almost ten years. A cool item to have on your desk. $195.

(Circa 1975-1986) Personal Files and Letters of Louis Eliasberg.A file of correspondence between Louis Eliasberg and various collectors and dealers – some wanting to sell him some more coins, and some wanting to purchase or auction his collection. Housed in a 3 ring binder with a brochure and other ephemera relating to his magnificent collection. $195.

A Fond Remembrance: The Pre-ANA Show Coin Dealer Ads in the 1970's to Early 1980's

When I came of age in the late 1970's and early 1980's, my favorite issues of the year of the weekly Coin World and Numismatic News that showed up in my mailbox were the issues directly prior to the ANA show in August.

This was an earlier time. A more innocent time. A slower paced time. A time before the coin slabbing services existed. A time before a few auction companies dominated the sales of the most expensive, most desirable coins on the market.

At that time, the big dealers of the day dominated the purchase and sale of the best coins on the market in many cases. The coin market still had the feel of an agrarian society. There were predictable “slow times” of year, and there were busy times of year.

There were times to sow, and there were times to reap. The summertime was slow, so it was time to build up and prepare your inventory for the active fall-winter selling season.

So – the large, dominant dealers of the day would often put aside their finest coins and then exhibit (and hopefully sell) them at the late summer ANA show. And to let collectors know what they were bringing, they would place these magnificent full page ads in those weekly publications. Page after page of simply amazing coins.

When I saw those ads, my imagination would soar, and I would get drunk with lust over them. Those coins – in my mind – were all perfect, dream-worthy specimens that I had only read about in reference books.

There were early gold coins from the 1790's through the 1820's – including rare dates, often described as “Gem BU”. There were rare colonial coins, Chain cents and wreath cents in “Uncirculated”. I especially enjoyed the special sets that were sometimes offered, like maybe an 1876 copper-to-gold proof set with documentation from the mint, housed in a custom made leather and silk case of the period.

There were rarely if ever photos of the coins. That was just as well, because as the Simon & Garfunkel song “Kodachrome” says:

In my mind they were all perfect gems. All photos could do would be to wreck the fantasy.

I didn't have to own the coins (which was a good thing too. I was a broke junior high school student, who later became a broke high school student, who then went on to be a REALLY broke college student). It was enough just to read those ads and dream.

Nowadays those ads are long gone. The coin business is no longer seasonal; it is a year-round affair. Dealers (including myself) rarely hold back the best coins for the summer ANA show; they sell them (or consign them to auction) as soon as they arrive.

And of course, the reality of those coins was often very different than the fantasy. Those “Gem BU” coins would likely not stand up to today's scrutiny and stricter grading. But who cares about the facts – the memories are what count here.

The brightest memory fades faster than the dullest ink. ~Claudia Rankine, Citizen: An American Lyric, 2014

Featured Coin

1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. PCGS graded Very Fine-20. CAC.A gorgeous, original example of the first silver dollar minted in the United States. Soft golden gray in the centers on both sides, with faded green-gray-blue toning as it approaches the periphery. As is common with 1794 dollars, the obverse strike is weak at the rim from the 5 o'clock to the 10 o'clock positions. The explanation given by experts for why so many 1794 dollars are found this way is that the dies shifted early on, and they were no longer parallel to each other.

Most 1794 dollars are also found with numerous distracting adjustment marks. Happily, this coin as escaped that fate.

2,000 pieces were made with one pair of dies, of which 1,758 pieces were found to be satisfactory in quality, and were released to circulation. Approximately 150 or so pieces are known today.

Included in that number are quite a few that have been damaged, holed and plugged, repaired, cleaned and retoned or otherwise abused. As further evidence of this, exactly two 1794 dollars have been verified for grade by CAC in all grades below VF-30: this coin, and a coin graded Fine-12.

For those among us who desire only the most wholesome of one of the most desired issues in American coinage (it is ranked 13th in the “100 Greatest US Coins” book), here is your opportunity. $239,500.

This coin will be on display at my table (#643) at the ANA in Anaheim, unless it has been spoken for prior to then.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact info to reserve coins:Website - www.DaveWcoins.comMy email address – davewnuck@gmail.comPhone - (203) 231-1213Always Free Shipping. ​

I'll confess that in my most recent e-newsletters I offered some pretty expensive coins, and there were fewer of the less expensive variety on offer. As a result, I endured some hurtful comments from otherwise kind, long time customers like:

Wait -- that's not exactly true. No one said any of those specific things to me. And no one I know speaks like a character from the movie, Deliverance. But a few collectors did tell me they would like to see a few more affordable coins to choose from in my future lists.

So while I still will offer some expensive coins too (hey – I gotta eat at least 3 meals a day, and some people do buy expensive coins from me) I will make a great effort from now to offer lots of choices in the sub-$1000 area. And as always, I endeavor to offer only those coins that you simply cannot find elsewhere.

Ideas for Inexpensive But Challenging Coin Collections

I noticed that most coin dealers over the years would promote coins and collecting areas that they (coincidentally) happen to have in stock. I am not like most other coin dealers. For one thing – most coin dealers are more successful than I am.

No – instead I am going to give you, gentle reader, ideas for collecting coins, most of which I do not carry in inventory. I don't do this on purpose; I like to pay my bills as much as the next guy. But this was the list I came up with just now, off the top of my head. Use these ideas as a jumping off point to come up with your own ideas. It is a great and flexible hobby, and not one that should be restricted to what other people tell you to collect, or to what people have done in the past.

Dave's 10 inexpensive collections to put together that you may not have thought of before

A set of choice unciruclated Eisenhower dollars (finding nice ones is tougher than you think, believe it or not),

A set of clad business strike Washington quarters (same comment. The mints took no care in making these),

A collection of 150 different varieties of Connecticut coppers (you can probably find 150 different for less than $200 each),

A 50 piece set of classic commemorative half dollars. The spreads between grades are so small that you can crack them out of their slabs and put them in capital plastic holders if you wish. Or, you can collect them with their original packaging and ephemera that they came with – if you can find it. Much of that ephemera is harder to find than the coins themselves.

A set of gold classic Commemoratives. A completable set (if you ignore the two $50 gold coins, as most people do), and they are getting no love at the present moment.

A date set of US half cents from 1800 to 1857.

A denomination set of Mexican/South American Reales from ½ real to 8 Reales. You can do both the pillar style and the portrait style coinage. Most likely these were the coins you would spend if you lived in America in the 1700's and early 1800's.

A set of nice uncirculated Franklin half dollars, not paying attention to full bell lines. Brilliant or attractively toned – or both.

A set of Standing Liberty Quarter's in uncirculated, not paying attention to full heads. You can get mostly full heads on most of the dates for little or no premium, and these are great looking coins.

A collection of contemporary counterfeit 2 reales. This recommendation is a bit self-serving, but is a great way to get a sense of history and to collect items that are extremely rare, though not very expensive. Rarity 7 (4 to 12 specimens known in all grades) is a typical rarity rating for coins in this series, and unique coins often cost below $1000. The most expensive 2 reales counterfeit ever sold at auction was less than $2000. Perhaps not coincidentally, that very coin is being offered in this issue (see below). There is a US connection to these coins even though they seem to be "foreign" at first glance, as many were made in America to circulate in the American colonies and in the newly formed United States in the early 1800's.

Now On to the NewP's

As in my previous newsletters, these coins are the items I have gathered over the last few weeks. The plan is to upload all these coins to my website. In the meantime, readers of this newsletter will be the very first to lay eyes on these offerings. By popular demand, I've included photos of the coins where I have them.

The “Making the Grade” Featured Coin

1805 Draped Bust Facing Right Half Eagle. NGC graded AU58.A beautiful example of this classic early American coin. Rich luster rings the obverse and completely covers the reverse; the reverse is fully mint state. Choice early gold is enormously popular in any market. $13,500.

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New Listings

1783 Washington & Independence Copper. PCGS graded Proof 65 Brown.Engrailed Edge. Baker-3, considered to be rarity-5. Well mirrored surfaces and an impeccable strike. The eye appeal of this coin is outstanding. $1195.

1787 Fugio Copper. Cross After Date. PCGS graded VF35.Newman 1-B, considered to be Rarity-4. This was the original obverse die for Fugio coppers, as it was paired with the famous “American Congress” pattern reverse. Mostly milk chocolate brown in color, with areas of darker variegation. A distinct Redbook type coin ,and quite difficult to find in the upper grades such as this. $3,250.

1787 Fugio Copper. PCGS graded F15.“States United” Redbook type. Newman 12-KK, considered to be Rarity 6. One of the really tough Fugio die varieties. $2350.1787 Fugio Copper. PCGS graded VF35.“States United” Redbook type. Newman 15-V, considered to be Rarity-5. A high grade, late die state example of this difficult die variety. $2650.1787 Fugio Copper. PCGS graded VF35.“United States” Redbook type. Newman 16-H, considered to be Rarity-5. This is an incredible coin. It is choice by any standard. Most likely in the high condition census when color and surface quality are taken into account. $4500.1802 Bust Dime. NGC graded VG-8. A every tough key date in the series. A good looking coin with light gray toning and lots of detail for the grade. PCGS #4472. $3600.1852 Half Cent. PCGS graded Proof 65 Brown CAC.Restrike. A proof-only date, offered here in gem proof. Estimates range as high as 100 survivors for this issue; that seems a tad high based on my experience. Regardless, a gorgeous example of this popular and very rare date. $7950.1855 Half Cent. PCGS graded Proof-62 Brown.An attractive light gold with light tinges of green and a hint of blue, with nicely mirrored fields. Why isn't this graded Red & Brown – I don't know, but it is a very nice example. $3975.

1904 Barber Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof-68.As my Irish In-Laws often say : “Sweet William!” An amazing, virtually perfect coin with beautiful green and blue coloration. This coin could really benefit from being reholdered, since it is housed in a 20 year old slab and that slab has a few surface scuffs. No time to do so prior to press time, however. $13,750.

1904 $20 Liberty Gold. PCGS graded MS65+ CAC.To every thing there is a season. And the season for top end gold may be coming around again, thanks to our British friends and to their surprise vote to exit the European Union. No promises of course, but if ever there was a time to consider CAC'd, slabbed high grade gold, this may be such a time. $5600.

1925 Norse Gold Medal. PCGS graded Proof 66 CAC.PCGS has only graded two coins finer than this. Only 47 pieces (net of melting by the Philadelphia Mint) were made, and far fewer are known today. It is interesting to speculate that if the US Mint chose to make proof versions of gold coins in the 1920's they very likely would have done it in the matte proof finish, as shown here. $39,500.

(1071-1078) Byzantine Empire Gold (Electrum) NGC graded Mint State.And now for something completely different. A Michael VII Ducas, AV or electrum histamenon trachy. Christ is on the obverse, and good ol' Michael VII is on the reverse. Difficult to find in full mint state. This coin features a convex obverse and a concave reverse, as made. NGC has graded the Strike as 4/5, and the Surfaces as 4/5. A cool piece of golden history. $2450.

1562 Great Britain Three Pence. PCGS graded AU50.Spink-2565. If you have some spare cash lying around, you may want to contribute to the Art Fund and Royal Museum's appeal to purchase the iconic masterpiece, “Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I”. They are trying to raise $14 million to buy it from its private owner. Or you could save a few bucks and just buy this coin. A gorgeous, finely detailed portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, with gray-blue toning, a great strike and perfectly centered. Unlike the painting, this coin comes with PCGS TrueView Images. $975.1785 Inimica Tyrannis Colonial Pattern. Electrotype. Very Fine. Uncertified.Say you don't want to spend $80k for a genuine example of this rare speculative pattern. This electro is only of moderate quality, but this issue is rarely seen in electrotype form. $125.

“1787” (circa 1861) Robinson's Copy of the Brasher Doubloon. PCGS graded MS65.Kenney-3, W-15100. This item was produced in 1861 by Alfred Robinson of Hartford, Connecticut using dies made by the Boston die sinker Joseph Merriam. According to Kenney, twenty-five examples were struck in copper and twenty-five in brass. This brass example is one of two graded by PCGS and the higher graded of the two. $975.

(1790's) Conder Token Farthing. Middlesex-Pidcock's. NGC graded MS67 Red & Brown. D&H-1067. Elephant obverse/parrot reverse. An even more incredible preservation on this Conder token. Undoubtedly among the finest known of this issue. Very reasonable for what this is. $650.(1790's) Conder Token Halfpenny. Middlesex-Pidcock's. D&H-414. NGC graded MS66 Brown.Another popular Conder token design is the lion obverse and a Bird of prey on the reverse. Top condition and quite beautiful. $600.

(1790's) Great Britain Conder Token Farthing. NGC graded MS66 Brown.Middlesex-Pidcock's, D&H-1065. A very popular design, featuring an elephant on the obverse and a 2-headed steer on the reverse. Apparently such animals were frequently seen in England during this period, though usually late at night and after one stumbled out of a pub. Even medium brown surfaces and full luster, as you would expect from such a lofty grade. $450.

1799 George Washington Westwood Medal. Electrotype. Almost Uncirculated [uncertified].Baker-80. An electrotype of this popular and rare medal. 41 mm. Dies for this medal were engraved by John Westwood. The obverse legend reads: "George Washington, Esqr. Late President Late President of the United States of America"; Reverse: "With Courage / And Fidelity / He Defended The / Rights / Of A Free People / Died Decr. 14, 1799 / Aged / 68" and around: "Made Commander In Chief Of The American Forces The 15 June 1775." A great electrotype copy of this rare, very historic, early Washington Death medal. $195.

(Circa 1800) Undated Contemporary Imitation Blacksmith Style 2 Reales. Struck over an 1802 Large Cent. Nearly As Struck [uncertified].This coin is considered the “King” of Contemporary Counterfeit 2 reales by many collectors of the series. It has a pedigree dating back to around 1900, when it was owned by S.S. Heal, a well known Canadian numismatist who joined the ANA in 1902 (his envelope is included). The obverse shows a crude portrait of Carlos III, while the reverse depicts the typical “Pillars of Hercules” found on the 2 reales of that era. This coin spans three collecting areas: US Large Cents, Blacksmith Tokens, and of course Counterfeit 2 Reales. It was first auctioned as part of the Estate of Mike Ringo (Stack's, June 2009) where I purchased it. Later it was sold by Stack's in 2012 when I sold my collection. Now it is back in my hands, at least for now. It is unique, with not even a hint of a second specimen rumored. This coin realized $1,437 in the 11/2012 Stack's auction. Super-crude and super cool, with an obvious North American connection due to the large cent overstrike. $1850.

1812 Contemporary Counterfeit 8 Reales. Very Fine [uncertified].Unlisted in Robert Gurney's fun new book, “Counterfeit Portrait Eight Reales: The Un-Reales”. Quite an arresting look to it too. An obverse die break makes it look as if King Ferdinand VII is smoking his bubble pipe (or perhaps blowing on a New Year's eve noisemaker – your choice). Neat-o, at least to these eyes. $225.

1846 Wiener Medal. Notre Dame a Tongres, Belguim. Uncirculated. 50mm, bronze, Hoydonck 16. This Belgian church, situated in the oldest town in Belgium, was built from 1240 to 1541 (which makes the decades-long repair work on I-95 here in Connecticut seem lightning quick in comparison). This series of intricately engraved medals by the master sculptor Jacques Wiener has no equals, in my opinion. $260.1847 Liberia 2c Pattern. PCGS graded Specimen-64 Brown.KM-Pn2. A spectacular looking coin. If viewing this coin doesn't knock your socks of, then... well … then you were probably not wearing any socks to begin with. A large copper coin, just a little bit smaller than the diameter of a silver dollar. The fields are deeply mirrored and the design is unusual. Quite rare. $975.

1863 Medal in Specially Inscribed Presentation Case, to the Engraver Charles Wiener. Uncirculated [uncertified].Presented to Charles Wiener, on the occasion of the Reception of the Princess Alexandra, March 1863. Apparently this was the wedding of the Century, at least according to the book I found on the Internet that is devoted entirely to a description of this wedding. In detail. In minute detail, in fact. A beautiful medal presented to the youngest of the three Wiener brothers, all three of whom (Jacques, Leopold and Charles) were skilled medal engravers. $375.

1896 Chain Pier Silver Medal. Uncirculated [uncertified].I bought this medal for the beautiful toning. The way the golden orange toning lays on the obverse, it looked to me like a calming sunset with the pier in the foreground. I showed it to someone else though, and he thought it looked like London was burning in the distance. As a lifelong fan of the punk band, The Clash, I will accept that interpretation as well. $245.

1925 Norse Medal. Silver. Enameled. Uncirculated [uncertified].This was carefully and expertly made on a thick planchet silver medal. The first I have ever seen on a Norse medal. $225.

1975 Mexico City Mint – National Banking 50th Anniversary Silver Medal. NGC graded MS63.While I am all for celebrating the anniversaries of National banks, the reason I bought this medal was for it's spectacular toning. About the size of a US silver dollar, it is just a super cool work of art. $195.​(1979) Mexico City Mint Medal – Banco de Mexico 50th Anniversary. NGC graded MS65.From the same collection as the previous mint medal. And while it is not as spectacularly toned as the previous medal, it is quite attractive in its own right. $95.

2006-P North Dakota Washington Quarter Error. PCGS graded MS65.A dramatic error with a missing clad layer, giving the buffalo side the appearance of a gem full red coin, while the “Washington Head” side appears completely normal. $600.